Cold as Ice

Part 10 (Incomplete)

The news of our engagement has sent ripples through the community.
There are the ones saying that we should be left alone as we are a "love match" and not an "arranged match"
The others are saying that a princess shouldn't be with broke scum.
As much as it affects me Thomas is the one who is suffering because of this.
Every single part of this is my fault, it's like I wrapped the poor man in barbed wire.
I look up from my book at Thomas who is yet again looking out the parlours window in despair.
"Darling it doesn't have to go ahead"
"Lucia we've already had relations and your monthly is late, it has to be done"
He's not wrong, not one bit at all.
"I went to the doctor twice Thomas, I'm most definitely not with child"
"Lucia I'm not entirely convinced that he was correct about you not being with child"
I briefly look at my stomach and then back to Thomas.
"Thomas I would have symptoms by now if I was with child"
His mother walks into the room and sets down the tray with the china set.
"They should be here soon"
I set down my book and turn to face her.
"Are you ok Lucia darling?"
"Yes Rosetta"
Thomas clears his throat gets up and leaves the room.
"Is he treating you well Lucia?"
"He's exceptional as always"
She raises her eyebrow in suspicion.
"Are you sure you're ok Lucia?"
"Yes of course Rosetta, why?"
"You have a broody look on you"
Choke on my breath and blush in mortification.
"I've been to the doctor twice, I'm not with child"
"Shall I call the midwife tomorrow just to be sure?"
"Please do mama"
Thomas walks back into the room and sits down in his chair again.
"Thomas why won't you believe me?"
"Lucia look at yourself"
"Thomas if you're suggesting that I've gained weight"
He looks out the window again.
"Lucia don't be ridiculous if anything you've only gotten thinner"
"Thanks Rosetta but I'd like a word alone with my fiancé"
She nods and leaves the room.
"Well we're alone Lucia what have your to say"
"Do you want to go for a horse ride?"
"You can't go for a horse ride while with child Lucia"
"I'm not with child Thomas"
"Lucia you are just think about it"
"I know my body better then anyone here Thomas, I'm not with child"
"Lucia don't argue with me about this"
There's a knock on the front doo and soon Rosetta comes in with the midwife.
"Good evening princess"
"Good evening"

I honestly don't know what the midwife is still looking at or poking but I do know that it is the most awkward and uncomfortable experience I've had.
I look out the window and see Thomas teaching Francesca how to ride a horse.
He looks so care free and happy right now.
"Congratulations are in order princess"
"What?"
"You're with child"
My heart drops.
"You can't tell anyone"
"But your husband?"
I fix my skirt and open the drawer to my bedside table.
I quickly grab a stack of money and thrust it into her hands.
"Princess"
"Tell them all I'm not with child, and if anyone asks why you where here say I'm taking interest in learning midwifery"
"But"
"No buts"
She nods dutifully puts the money in her bag and waits at the door for a second.
"I know a woman princess"
"I'll find you if I decide I need her"
She nods and leaves closing the door behind her.
I begin to pace the room, the memories of how this happened replaying in my still lustful mind.
All it took was one I love you and it set me off.
I would be lying if said I didn't want to do it all again.
The feel of his tough skinned hands along my sides and thighs ghosts itself as I look out the window.
I watch as the midwife walks up to him and they have a short discussion.
I hope she stuck to the plan.
Thomas turns and looks at me in the window.
He beckons me to come outside and I soon find myself next to him.
"I apologise Lucia"
Relief washes over me, she did as I said.
I quickly peck him on the lips.
He must his hand on the small of my back and we watch Francesca.
My stomach is doing summersaults
I'm starting to feel my lies choking me like think cords of ivy.
"I reckon she's going to be the best horse rider in this country"
"She does have great balance"
"It's not just balance dear, she's practically one with the horse"
Francesca from what I've seen has a way with animals, I've never seen any wild beast calm as quick as it does with her.
"Lucia?"
"Yes Thomas"
"I still don't believe the midwife"
My face drops momentarily and unfortunately enough for him to catch.
"It's true isn't it, you're with child"
I nod and he looks at the ground.
"I knew it"
"She said she knows a woman"
"How could you live with yourself if you went"
"Do you want a child Thomas?"
"Of course I do, we're getting married soon anyway what's the difference"
"Thomas none of this has to go ahead, I could go that woman and go on my way"
"I Can't let that"